2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Letitia’s baby is born addicted to morphine. Were you aware of the course of treatment Sarah prescribed?

I think even today they have to offer drug addicted babies alternative drugs and withdraw them slowly. Sarah worked with what was available to her.

I was actually surprised that they knew this was the proper treatment.

Years ago, I volunteered at a Washington, DC hospital and tended to what was referred to as Boarder Babies. Their mothers were addicted to crack and abandoned them after delivery. They were born addicted and had to be weaned from the drug. We then had to retrain their brains to welcome touch and affection (mother them like crazy). They spent about 4-6 weeks in ICU before coming into our wing. Treatment differed for each baby as their addictions showed up differently and weight was a significant factor. I visited ICU once and it was awful.

I have a friend who fostered a baby who had been born to a drug addicted mother. He was affected by it even as he grew up. It seemed his brain was damaged in some way. Such an awful shame.

Most end up with learning disabilities. Such a shame.

It is so awful that an innocent baby has to suffer the consequences of mothers who care more for their next fix than their unborn children.

I knew the baby would have to be weaned off the drug. I didn't know that the medical community was aware of that fact in 1896.

I was pretty amazed at how progressive Sarah was. I was surprised Sarah would know about weaning the baby off the morphine because she's gentle born even though she's been a midwife for several years. I just thought during the time frame most would just let nature take over and if the baby lived it lived.

That's a good point, Christina. I think that Sarah's more progressive and knowledgable Midwifery may also have been influenced by the fact her husband was a doctor.

I agree her marriage to a doctor trained her far beyond midwifery. Actually, she says she’s a nurse and midwife.